Geneva 2011: Mini John Cooper Works S2000

by Matthew Wilson

Mini's contender for the FIA WRC this year is the new John Cooper Works S2000 WRC, and it has been announced that it will be driven by Dani Sordo and Kris Meeke. We can expect to see the S2000 in its rally debut at the Rally Italy from May 5-8, 2011. The car will also be competing in some other events which will take place in Finland, Germany, France, Spain, and the UK.

The Mini is also being show this week at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. This version of the reworked JCW features a big rear wing, ultra-lightweight plastic side windows, and more efficient front aerodynamics. The car also features water-cooled brakes on the front axle. The S2000 is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that's used in the standard Mini production vehicles. This is also the same engine that powers the BMW 320 TC that will also be running in the FIA World Touring Car Championship.